Ask Maps, the Gemini-powered chatbot that was introduced in March, is getting new agentic capabilities to take on ordering food, finding hotels, and discovering things to do.
A trio of tasks that help at home and away
Maps can now handle takeout orders. It will take requests like “order me vegetarian kung pao at that place I like near home” and then add the dish to a cart where you can review the order before completing it.
Google said that Maps will use your history and location to determine what it includes in any recommendations.
Similarly, Maps will consider both your stated preferences and requested parameters to help you find hotels.
You can ask Maps to find you hotels based on location and amenities, and it will generate a list of suggestions. The feature can also compare prices and check availability, letting you click through to book.
Maps can also find events with requests like “find me live music near my hotel” returning a list of options and the opportunity to purchase tickets.
Ask Maps gets smarter about you
Ask Maps is now designed to know more about you to make more personalized recommendations and to assist with travel and event planning by incorporating Personal Intelligence.
By connecting with Gmail, Google Calendar, and other apps, Maps can find restaurants near your hotel, figure out what time to make reservations based on your flight, and more.
The feature is rolling out with Gmail starting today, with Google Calendar and other apps to follow. Personal Intelligence is off by default, so to use it, ppen the Google app or Google Search on the web, navigate to your profile, click on Search Personalization, and choose Connected Content Apps and select the apps you want to connect.
Ask Maps is also getting a live transit widget. It lets users track real-time delays and service updates for bus, train, subway, and ferry rides on the go.
The Personal Intelligence integration and live transit widget are rolling out now wherever Ask Maps is available.
